LINCOLN — Harold "Andy" Andersen has won several accolades over his 88 years.
The former World-Herald publisher added another honor Tuesday: "Nebraskan of the Year" from the downtown Lincoln Rotary Club No. 14.
Andersen was feted for his leadership of fundraising campaigns that raised $750 million for the University of Nebraska system and helped build Platte River State Park and Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, as well as guiding the expansion and growth of the state's largest newspaper. He was also active in Omaha's riverfront redevelopment project and the renovation of the historic Orpheum Theater.
Gov. Dave Heineman, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, NU President J.B. Milliken and Steve Oltmans, chief of staff to Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, were among the 313 people who attended a luncheon honoring Andersen and his wife, Marian.
Oltmans, a former head of the Omaha-based Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, said he was always impressed that Andersen cared about the entire state, not just Omaha, and that he was willing to take a "courageous stance" on conserving Nebraska's abundant groundwater."
Rod Bates, general manager of the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Network, said Andersen epitomized the Rotary motto of "service above self."
The governor presented a proclamation stating that Tuesday was "Harold Andersen Day" in the state.
Andersen, a graduate of Omaha North High School and the University of Nebraska, quipped that he was glad the governor didn't give him another admiralship in the mythical Nebraska Navy because he already has three of those.
Together, Andy and Marian Andersen have received NU's top honor, the Perry W. Branch Award, and the Distinguished Nebraskalander Award. He continues to write regular columns on his website.
Contact the writer:
402-473-9584, paul.hammel@owh.com
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